The DRK is calling for blood donations during the fall vacations.
© dpa
The German Red Cross (DRK) is calling on people in Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony to donate blood during the fall vacations.
"We know from experience that many people are going on vacation and that can lead to a shortage of donations," said Kerstin Schweiger from the DRK Blood Donor Service North-East. The situation is currently stable at a low level.
However, this can change quickly, as the platelet-based preserves only last for around four days and therefore need to be constantly replenished. On the website www.blutspende-nordost.de (Webside in German only) you can check the blood group barometer to see whether your own blood donation is currently needed.
The DRK is calling on first-time donors in particular. "Now would be the right time to start," emphasized Schweiger. The baby boomers would gradually drop out in the coming years for health reasons. People aged 18 and over, but also middle-aged people, would now have to step up. A blood donation takes around 45 minutes and can do so much good for people. There is a general lack of new blood. "This is a gradual process that will continue for another decade or so."
However, anyone who feels ill during the flu season should not donate blood. The risk of infection is too high for the other donors and also for the staff. The DRK also offers special appointments on Saturdays during the vacation season.